The Car Connection Expert Review

An crossover that we called "aging" in 2008, the Mitsubishi Endeavor hasn't been updated other than losing a drivetrain option since. It's unchanged for the 2011 model year.

The Endeavor is stranded in the Mitsu lineup. It's a bigger crossover with five seats, technically a competitor in the class that includes vehicles like the Nissan Murano and the Ford Edge. The only problem: Mitsubishi also sells the Japanese-built Outlander, which has almost as much interior room as the Endeavor, and also squeezes in an optional third-row seat. The Outlander handles better as well.

Mitsubishi actually skipped the 2009 model year of the Endeavor, but brought it back for the 2010 model year and again has it for sale--likely to supply fleet markets from its underutilized plant in Normal, Illinois.

The Endeavor gets its power from a 3.8-liter V-6 with 225 horsepower. The engine's tied to a positively antique four-speed automatic transmission, which cuts into its fuel economy potential. Handling is benign, and the V-6 is a quiet performer if not a brisk one. The seating areas are quite comfortable for adults, and the tailgate is wide enough to accept loads as wide as four feet.